When you feel like exploring somewhere new, visiting one of Northern California’s charming small towns is always the way to go. Our region of the state is home to all sorts of amazing little communities, from coastal hamlets to countryside outposts. The best thing is, each town has something unique to offer! And as far as uniqueness goes, there’s no town that is quite like Weed, California. This old logging town is filled with history and natural beauty. However, its historic legacy often gets overlooked for the town’s quirky name (which they’ve learned to run with.) Put simply, this is the type of town you need to experience for yourself!
Welcome to the wonderfully weird and absolutely delightful town of Weed, California! You may have traveled past it on Interstate 5 and wondered, "What the heck is Weed all about?" We're here to tell you that it's full of history, natural beauty, and yes, Weed-themed souvenir shops.
Nestled right at the base of Mount Shasta, the town of Weed is as pretty as can be. Its close proximity to lakes, rivers, forests, and wildlife has enticed nature-loving travelers from all over. If you're looking for an adventure, Weed is a great place to start.
With less than 3,000 residents, Weed is big on small town charm. Walking along its main street, you'll find all types of mom-and-pop shops, eateries, and boutiques. The Hi-Lo Cafe and Hi-Lo Motel, Ellie's Espresso and Bakery, and Mt. Shasta Brewing Co. are all staples that require a visit when in Weed.
Of course, you're probably wondering how the town got its quirky name. Originally a lumber town, the city of Weed was named after local lumber mill founder Abner Weed. Abner recognized that the area's strong winds aided substantially in drying lumber, making the area ideal for what would become the world's largest sawmill.
Although linked to the town's lumber history, Weed's name has made it popular among 420-friendly tourists. You'll often see tourists taking photos in front of the town's iconic Weed arch. Recognizing that tourism is good for this little mountain town, the community has learned to lean into it. Their hope is that visitors will see that there's much more to Weed than the name.
You'll find plenty of Weed-themed souvenir shops that specialize in t-shirts, mugs, glasses, magnets, and other items labeled with the town's eye-catching name. The Weed Store is the most notable. The souvenir store has been around since the 1940s and it boasts a variety of tongue-in-cheek (and family-friendly) knick-knacks.
Come for the weird name, but stay for the small-town hospitality and the beautiful mountain setting. Weed, California is a destination that belongs on your day trip bucket list. Are you ready for a visit?
